Centrifugal spring type projectile throwing device

ABSTRACT

A projectile throwing machine exemplified herein as a baseball pitching machine. A throwing arm is driven by a torsion spring which is wound up by a motor and which is automatically triggered for releasing the throwing arm. The trigger is automatically released by actuating levers which are remotely controllable to control the amount of power, that is, torsion in the spring at the time of release to thereby control the speed of pitch. The balls are fed automatically. The machine is adjustable in elevation and azimuth to control the height and lateral position of the pitch and all adjustments are remotely controllable from a console and subject to programming. The machine after being started will repeatedly cycle automatically under remote control. Means are provided to indicate to a batter when a pitch is about to be made and also there are indicator means to indicate the position of the pitched ball relative to the plate.

ea @423 5R wallow Eade et a1. May 2, 1972 54] CENTRIFUGAL SPRING TYPE3,277,879 10/1966 Sayette ..273/26 1) PROJECTILE THROWING DEVICE PrimaryExaminer-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-William R. BrowneAttorney-Herzig & Walsh [57] ABSTRACT A projectile throwing machineexemplified herein as a baseball pitching machine. A throwing arm isdriven by a torsion spring which is wound up by a motor and which isautomatically triggered for releasing the throwing arm. The trigger isautomatically released by actuating levers which are remotelycontrollable to control the amount of power, that is, torsion in thespring at the time of release to thereby control the speed of pitch. Thehalls are fed automatically. The machine is adjustable in elevation andazimuth to control the height and lateral position of the pitch and alladjustments are remotely controllable from a console and subject toprogramming. The machine after being started will repeatedly cycleautomatically under remote control. Means are provided to indicate to abatter when a pitch is about to be made and also there are indicatormeans to indicate the position of the pitched ball relative to theplate.

17 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures Fatented May 2, 1972 7 Sheets-SheetPatented May 2, 1972 3,659,576

7 Sheets-Sheet Z 6191/ 4. 540! Ram/aw 7 {/05 we /WM Patented May 2, 1972'7 Sheets-Sheet 6 an o. M a J J n 4 a a 3 M J 2 5 a 3 III Jib 54 74.10

CENTRIFUGAL SPRING TYPE PROJECTILE THROWING DEVICE SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION The invention relates to a projectile throwing machine. It isexemplified herein in a preferred embodiment described in detail whichis a baseball pitching machine.

The machine possesses a number of unique characteristics which adapt itadmirably for the service intended by it. Machines of this type are, ofcourse, desirable for use in training baseball batters whether amateuror professional, but are also highly useful as entertainment devices.While the exemplary embodiment of the invention is a baseball pitchingmachine the principals of the invention could be employed in throwingother types of projectiles.

The machine embodies a throwing arm which is driven by a torsion springwhich in turn is wound up by a motor. The torsion spring is releasedautomatically to cause the arm to throw by means of a trigger actuatedby a remotely controlled actuating or release lever so organized thatthe power or torsion at which the release occurs can readily becontrolled remotely so as to control the speed of the pitch.

The machine additionally embodies a signalling means in the form of anartificial or simulated leg that automatically moves downwardly tosimulate the action of a pitcher just before executing the pitch. 7

One of the most distinctive features of the invention is the automaticmeans for predeterrnining the power at which the torsion spring releasesfor causing the throwing arm to throw. It is a characteristic of themachine that the throwing arm is driven by a driving motor to makecomplete revolutions. That is, after the throw it continues rotating inthe same direction, bodily rotating the entire torsion spring until amember engages the trigger. The spring is then wound up, that is,torsioned from the opposite end until at a predetermined torsioning ofthe spring one of a group of actuating or release levers carried on arotating disc that is attached to the end of the spring actuates thetrigger. These release levers are alike, and are equally angularlyspaced on the disc at the end of the spring. These actuating levers areof a very unique construction whereby to serve their intended purpose.They comprise levers each carrying a roller and they are pivotallymounted so that they can swing about an axis that is normal to the axisof the torsion spring, that is, in a plane through the axis of thetorsion spring. As the spring is wound these actuating levers are movedpast an end part of the trigger. At the position of the trigger there isa solenoid having a stem with a roller on the end of it positioned sothat normally, as the actuating levers pass the position of the end ofthe trigger they engage the roller on the stem of the solenoid and arethus positioned so that the rollers on the actuating levers will notengage and trip the trigger. The solenoid is controlled by a series ofcam operated switches that are operated by cam dwells on a sprocketwheel that rotates with the shaft at the driving end of the torsionspring, these cam dwells being spaced angularly similarly to theactuating levers. Thus, a circuit can be established remotely by way ofmanual switches through any one of the cam operated switch contacts topredetermine the angular position at which the solenoid will be operatedso that the actuating lever at that particular position will be allowedto release the trigger rather than passing by it. At this particularangular position, when the solenoid is energized, it retracts the rolleron its stem so that at that particular angular position the actuatinglever will not be engaged and kept inactive by the roller on thesolenoid stern, but on the other hand the actuating lever will berotated about its pivot axis in the opposite direction by a biasingspring so that its roller comes into a position to engage and releasethe trigger, and furthermore a projection on the actuating lever willnow come into a position on the other side of the roller on the stem ofthe solenoid upon de-energization of the solenoid so that the actuatinglever is held in a position where it can release the trigger as will bedescribed in detail hereinafter.

The invention embraces a modified form of means for con trolling thespeed of pitch wherein the wind-up or torsioning of the drive spring iscontrolled in response to a timing function. A timer set for apredetermined interval causes the machine to wind up for that intervaland then to release at the end of the interval. Thus it becomes possibleto adjust the machine to pitch at an infinite number of speeds. Also itis desirable to control the actuations of the pitching arm in relationto the signalling leg so that it is assured that a predetermined time isallowed for the signal leg to move after which the cycle begins whichbrings about the actuation of the throwing arm.

In the light of the foregoing, the primary object of the invention is toprovide a projectile throwing machine, more particular a baseballpitching machine having all of the characteristics referred to in theforegoing and which is particularly adapted to be remotely controlledAnother object is to provide a baseball pitching machine as in theforegoing embodying a throwing arm which is driven by a torsion springwhich is wound up from one end and which is provided with releasetriggers which are angularly spaced and which rotate, and which arecontrollable to predeterrnine the power or torsion at which the springis released. A corollary object is to realize the capability of quicklyand remotely controlling or adjusting pitch speed.

Another object is to realize the capability that the machine can bestopped at any point in its cycle and allowed to operate safely inreverse.

Further objects and additional advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred form of the invention;

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a console utilized in operating the machineremotely;

FIG. 2 is a side view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, which view ispartly diagrammatic;

FIG. 3A is a detail view of the solenoid actuator and switch associatedwith the signalling leg or foot.

FIG. 3B is another view of the parts of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the upper half of the torsion spring andthe triggering mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view partly broken away taken along the line 55 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detail view of one of the actuating levers that controls therelease of the trigger,

FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6',

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the controls of the machine;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of the out of balls" control.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a wiring diagram of a signal light arrangement for indicatingactual position of pitched balls over the plate;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a modified arrangement for controllingpitch speed or a time function;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of another arrangement for indicatingposition of pitched balls.

To facilitate a full understanding of the invention it will be describedunder the following general headings:

I. General Organization of the Machine.

. Torsion Spring; Drive Therefor; and Triggering Means. Ball Feeding andAgitating Mechanism.

. Adjustment of the Machine in Elevation.

Adjustment of the Machine in Azimuth.

. Pitch Signalling Means.

. Electrical Control Circuitry of Machine.

. Summary of Operation.

. Alternative Modifications.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION OF THE MACHINE The general organization of themachine will be understood from the top or plan view, FIG. 1, and theside diagrammatic views, FIGS. 2 and 3.

The machine comprises a frame having a rectangular base as may be seenat in FIG. 2 that rests on a low friction flat surface base 11 whichrests on a surface such as concrete surface as designated at 12. (SeeFIG. 2.) The entire machine can swivel, that is, it can be turned inazimuth as will be described more in detail presently. It is rotatableabout a pin 14 that extends into the base 11.

FIG. I is a view of the top of the machine, the front of it being at thebottom of this Figure. FIG. 2 is a view of the right side of the machineand FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the left hand side. From FIG. 2 itwill be observed that the machine has side frames as designated atcomprising angular members as shown at 22 and 24 and rear uprightmembers as shown at 26. The various operating parts of the machine aresupported by these side frame members. These various frame members aredesignated at 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in FIG. 1.

Numeral 3O designates a box like hopper at the top of the machine forfeeding the balls to the throwing arm. The hopper has a pivotal mountingas will be described and mechanism is provided to reciprocate or agitateit up and down to insure delivery of the balls, this being by way of astem 32. The hopper has an opening 34 in the bottom and there areprovided a series of horizontally disposed agitating members 36 that canbe agitated in this opening by way of a member 238 as will be describedmore in detail hereinafter.

The balls are delivered from the hopper 30 by way of a ball chute 44 tocradle 45 of the throwing arm 46. The throwing arm as seen in FIG. 2rotates to the right, that is, clockwise, to throw a ball. It is mountedto rotate with shaft 51. Around this axis is the torsion spring 52 whichdrives the arm and which is wound up, that is, torsio'ned by means of adriving motor as will be referred to presently.

Spring 52 is wound up from the right end looking at FIG. 1 while theleft end of it is held and the left end then being released afterapplication of a predetermined amount of torsion as will be described.The shaft 53 is driven by motorized means as will be described whichdrives a disc 64 attached to the right end of spring 52 and the springdrives a bar 54 which is clamped to the left end of the torsion springby means as shown at 56. The bar 54 engages an end of the trigger whichprevents rotation of the left end of the spring; continued rotated ofthe shaft 53 winds up the spring.

The trigger 60 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 4 and it ispivotally attached to a bracket 68 by way of pivot pin 69. The right endof trigger 60 forms a cam surface 162 that cooperates with triggeractuators or actuating levers that are carried by the disc 64 and whichoperate to release the trigger and the throwing arm at predetermineddegrees of torsion as described more in detail presently.

The torsion spring 52, shaft 51 and throwing arm 46 are a part of aframe which can be rotated angularly in elevation about the axis ofshafts 51 and S3 to adjust the machine in elevation, that is, to varythe height above the ground at which a ball is pitched. This frameincludes a transverse member 70 which is rotatable in elevation relativeto the shafts SI and 53 having an arm 72 which journalled on the shaft53 and another frame member 74 which is journalled on the shaft 51.Motorized elevating means are provided as will be described hereinafterfor angularly moving the frame 70. It will be seen that the bracket 68is attached to the frame 70 so that when it is rotated angularly itmoves the trigger 60 and consequently it rotates the spring 52 and thearm 46 to a different angular starting position. Motorized means areprovided for adjusting the elevation, that is, the angle of tilt of theframe 70 as will be described hereinafter.

The motorized means for adjusting the machine in elevation aredesignated generally at 80 (FIG. 2) and the means for ad- Iss4 justingthe machine in azimuth is designated generally at 82. Numeral 84designates a signalling means in the form of an artificial leg or bootwhich is automatically moved upwardly and then dropped just before theball is projected or thrown by the machine to simulate the movements ofa pitcher before executing a pitch.

The various components or features of the machine will now be describedindividually in greater detail beginning with the driving torsion springitself and the manner in which it is wound up and released.

TORSION SPRING; DRIVE THEREFOR; AND TRIGGERING MEANS As previouslypointed out the spring 52 is wound up, that is, torsioned by driving thedisc 64 to wind up the right end of the spring. The disc 64 is wound upby means of a driving means as follows. Supported on the base 10 of themachine is an electric drive motor 90. Numeral 92 designates atransverse shaft journalled in pedestal bearings one of which is shownat 94 which are supported on the frame members like the member 24 as maybe seen in FIG. 2. On this shaft is a belt pulley 96 and this pulley isdriven from the motor through a drive belt 100. On the shaft 92 is alsoa small sprocket wheel 102 and it drives a large sprocket wheel 104 byway of the sprocket chain 106.

The sprocket wheel 104 is mounted in a shaft 103 and journalled inpedestal bearing as shown at 105 supported from frame members as shownat 108 and 110.

On the shaft 103 is a further sprocket wheel 112 as may be seen in FIG.3. Numeral 114 designates what may be called the main sprocket whichcontrols the wind up of torsion spring 52 which is on the shaft 53. Thesprocket wheel 114 is driven from the sprocket wheel 112 by way ofsprocket chain 116. Shafts 51 and 53 and spring 52 are axially alignedthe shafts being journalled in pedestal bearings 55, 55a, 55b, 55c, and55d supported on frame members 20, 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d respectively.

In operation, when the machine starts and the sprocket wheel 114 isdriven it bodily rotates the torsion spring 52 until the bar 54 clampedto the other end of the spring comes into engagement with the trigger60. Continued rotation of the sprocket wheel 114 then winds up thespring 52 until a triggering release lever on the disc 64 engages thetrigger to release the bar 54 allowing the spring to unwind and causethe arm 46 to throw. There are several trigger release levers atdifferent angular positions and the one that causes the trigger torelease can be selected by way of a remote selector switch as will bedescribed. Next will be described the triggering levers and theactuation of the trigger, this mechanism being shown in greater detailin FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Selective Trigger Release Actuating Levers FIG. 4 is an enlarged view ofthe upper half of the torsion spring 52 and the triggering mechanism. Itwill be observed that the bracket 68 to which the trigger 60 is pivotedis supported from the fi'ame member 70. The trigger is biased in acounterclockwise direction by a biasing spring 132, one end of which ishooked on to a lug 134 on the trigger and the other end of which ishooked on to a bracket 136 on the frame member 70. This spring pulls thetrigger counterclockwise against the end ofa threaded stem 140 whichforms a stop, the stem having a head 142 for adjusting and a lock nut143. On one end of the trigger it has a slanting cam surface as shown at144 which cooperates with a roller 146 mounted on a pivot shaft 148which is journalled between legs or bifurcations 150 and 152 at the endofthe arm 54.

At the other end of the trigger it has an extending toe having aslanting cam surface 162 that the trigger release mechanism cooperateswith. Carried by the disc 64 are three trigger release levers which areequally angularly spaced. One of these is shown in FIG. 4 designated at166. It is in the form ofa lever having an intermediate part 168 pivotedon a shaft 170. The shaft 170 is in a position that is normal to theaxis of the shaft 53 so that the actuating lever 166 canrotate in aplane containing the axis of shaft 53. The lever 166 has an arm 172 andbetween the end of this arm and the disc 64 is a biasing spring 174which normally urges the lever 166 in a counterclockwise directionlooking at FIG. 4. This lever 166 has another arm 178 at the end ofwhich is a shoe 180 having an extending cam finger 182. Also extendinginwardly on the inside of the arm 178 is stem 184 having on it a roller186 that can cooperate with the cam surface 162 on the toe 160 of thetrigger.

Cooperating with the trigger release lever 166 is a solenoid asdesignated at 190 having a stem 192 at the end of which is a roller 194.The solenoid 190 is mounted on a part of the frame member 70 as shown.

The solenoid 190 is controlled by a series or group of switchesdesignated at 200 in FIGS. 1 and 5 which are automatically actuated by aseries of cam rises or dwells 202, 204, 206, 207, 209 and 211 on theinside of the sprocket wheel 114 as may be seen in FIG. 5, these camdwells being spaced apart angularly corresponding to the spacing of thetrigger actuater levers I66, 166a and 16612 and further similar leversnot shown. These trigger actuating levers are all alike so that theothers need not be described in detail. Each actuator lever determines apitch speed and a fourth pitch speed is determined by cam roller 167equally angularly spaced on disc 64 and which can actuate the trigger aswill be described. The pitch speed is selectable by rotary speed switch407 which selects one of the cam actuated switches to be energized.Manual switches 406e, d, e and f provide a safety device. Preferablythese switches are concealed in the console 396. When any one of theseswitches is closed the machine will nevertheless pitch at that speedeven though switch 407 is set for a higher speed. These switches are toprevent amateurs from pitching at dangerous speeds. See FIG. 8.

The figures illustratethe operation of the triggering mechanism. Whenthe solenoid 190 is not energized and the stem 192 and roller 194 areextended as shown in FIG. 4, as the disc 64 rotates while the spring 52is being wound up, the shoes 180 and extending fingers or projections182 will simply engage with the roller 194 and will ride past it asshown in FIG. 4 with the actuating lever 166 in a rotated position asshown wherein the roller 186 cannot cooperate with the finger 160 on thetrigger 60.

On the other hand ifa circuit is energized through a particular one ofthe switches 200 that is actuated by cam dwells 202-211 then the triggercan be actuated. For example, if the switch in the group 200 that isactuated by the cam dwell 204 has been selected remotely by a remotecircuit selector, (speed switch 407) then the switch will energize thesolenoid 190 momentarily when the trigger" actuating lever 166corresponding to that angular position comes by the position of roller194. The solenoid 190 being momentarily energized at this time theroller 194 will be retracted allowing the biasing spring 174 to rotatethe actuating lever 166 in a counterclockwise direction, looking atFIGS. 4 and 6 rotating it into a position as shown in FIG. 6 wherein theroller 186 is in a position to engage with and ride over the extendingfinger 160 of the trigger 60 rotating the trigger in a clockwisedirection against the force of spring 132 and causing the other end ofthe trigger and cam surface 144 to roll out of the way of the roller 146thus releasing the arm 54 permitting the spring 52 to unwind and causethe arm 46 to throw. FIG. 7 illustrates the position of the parts underthese circumstances and as will be seen, as the roller 194 is retractedthe finger 182 of shoe 180 rotates inwardly past it bringing roller 186into a position to engage finger 160 of trigger 60 and uponde-energization of solenoid 190, the roller 194 is again extended so itcomes into a position on the other side of the finger 182 as shown inFIGS.

-6 and 7 so that the trigger actuating lever 166 is held in its rotatedposition as it rotates past the finger 160 effecting the triggering ofthe mechanism.

When bar 54 is released, the arm is rotated clockwise (FIG. 2) to throwa ball. The arcuate movement is dampened by hydraulic cylinder dashpot210 pivoted to upright 211 and having stern 212 pivoted to segment 213at the inner end of arm 46. After movement of arm 46 is thus restrainedit continues in the same direction back to starting position.

BALL FEEDING AND AGITATING MECHANISM FIG. 1 shows the throwing arm 46with a ball that has been fed into the cradle 45 in a position to bethrown. Each time the arm 46 moves to throw a ball it continues rotationin the same direction under the influence of the drive motor until thebar 54 comes back into engagement with trigger 60 which, of course, isnow back in the position of FIG. 4. A ball is fed into the cradle 45 andthe remaining balls are prevented from advancing. Balls are fed from thehopper 30 as previously described. As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 thereis a chute or trough formed of wire loops as designated generally at 44and that extends from an opening in the bottom side of an extending part220 of the hopper 30 down into a position adjacent the cradle 45 as maybe seen in FIG. 1. The balls roll down this trough or chute. Numeral 222in FIG. 1 designates a bracket for two reciprocatable stems one of whichis designated at 224 and the other at 226 which control feeding ofballs. See FIG. 9. The member 222 has an extending bracket 230 to whichis pivoted actuating lever 232 to which is attached the inner end ofboth of the stems 224 and 226 as shown. The end of lever 232 is coupledto an arm 236 on the end of cross shaft 238 mounted in bearings 240 and242 on the frame member 70. The shaft has a radially extending part 246which forms a cam follower that cooperates with an extending projection248 on the sprocket wheel 114 so that every time the sprocket wheel 114makes a revolution the projection 248 engages the member 246 rotatingthe shaft 238 and in turn swinging the lever 232. When the lever 232swings in a counterclockwise direction looking at FIG. 1 the stern 224retracts allowing a ball to pass from the trough or chute 44 into thecradle 45, the other stern 226 being extended to prevent the next ballfrom advancing and holding it in position. As may be seen, therefore,each cycle of the machine involves one complete revolution of the shaft51 and an actuation of the mechanism just described to feed the nextball into the cradle 45 of the throwing arm 46. The balls pass throughopenings in members 225 and 227, FIG. 9. The balls engage lever 229pivoted at 231 and when the supply of balls is exhausted lever 229 movesto open switch 437. See FIG. 8.

In order to insure feeding of balls to the throwing arm, the hopper 30is automatically tilted about its mounting pivot and an agitator isprovided for agitating the balls to prevent them from clogging. Thehopper 30 is mounted on pivots as shown at 262 and 264 at the upper endsof uprights 266 and 268 upstanding from the frame which is movableangularly about the axis of shafts 51 and 53. A stem 32 includes asmaller telescoping stem 272 having a coil spring 274 around it whichextends upwardly from a hinged lever 276. This lever is positionedadjacent a four lobed cam 278 which is part of the sprocket wheel 114and which rotates therewith. The cam 278 engages the lever 276 to movethe stem 274 upwardly thereby tilting the hopper 30 about the pivot axis262-264 to agitate the balls therein.

The ball agitating member 36 that moves through the opening 34 in thebottom of the hopper 30 is one of a series of similar members positionedhorizontally along the bottom of the hopper and movable to agitate theballs by way of a stem 290 which can move arcuately with respect to apivot 292. At the other end of the stem 290 is a cam follower part 246which is engageable by projection 248 upon the sprocket wheel 114 sothat once during each revolution the stem 290 is swung so as to move theagitating members 36 as shown in FIG. 3 to agitate the balls.

ADJUSTMENT OF MACHINE IN ELEVATION Frame 70 previously referred to isarcuately movable about the axis of the shafts 51 and 53. When it is soadjusted it adjusts the spring 52 and arm 46 angularly as well as thetrigger so that the height of the pitch is adjusted. Frame 70 isadjustable by way of vertical lead screws 300 and 302 as may be seen inFIGS. 2 and 3 which have threaded engagement as may be seen with theframe members of frame 70. The lower ends of these lead screws aresuitably joumalled in bearings such as the one shown at 304 in FIG. 2.On the ends of these lead screws are sprocket wheels as shown at 306 and308 and passing over these sprocket wheels is a drive chain as shown at310 in FIG. 1. Engaging with this drive chain is a small sprocket wheel312 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 which is on a shaft leading from agear box 314. The motor 80 drives gear 316 which in turn drives gear 318which is on a shaft for the gear box 314. See FIG. 2. The motor 80 isremotely controllable and adjustable from a console as will be describedhereinafter.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE MACHINE IN AZIMUTH As previously explained the entiremachine is adjustable angularly and horizontally, that is, in azimuthabout the pivot stem 14.

Referring to FIG. 1 numeral 330 designates a motor which is mounteddirectly on the base 12 within the base frame of the machine. The shaftof this motor has a sprocket 332. Numeral 331 is a lead screw journalledin a bearing 334 and having on it a sprocket wheel 336 which is drivenfrom the sprocket wheel 332 by a sprocket chain 338. Lead screw engagesa fitting at the end of a stem 342 attached to the baseof the frame 10so that operation of the lead screw is operable to swing the entiremachine about the pivot 14. The lead screw also operates limit switchesas designated at 335 within a suitable housing. The motor bearing andswitch unit are mounted directly to the concrete by stems.

PITCH SIGNALLING MECHANISM As previously explained, numeral 84identifies an artificial leg or member appearing as a boot which iscaused to move downwardly before the ball is pitched to simulate themovements of a live pitcher before pitching. Numeral 350 designates atransverse shaft extending from side to side of the frame 10. See FIG.1.

The shaft 350 has a transverse arm member 352 on the end of which is theartificial leg 34. The inner end of the arm 352 extends inwardly into aposition where it can be engaged by projection 354 on the sprocket wheel114 for angularly moving the arm 352 and lifting the artificial legsimulating the action of a pitcher. On the shaft 350 is also a cammember 356 that cooperates with roller 358 on the stem of solenoid 360which is also remotely controlled, whereby to release the leg, to allowit to drop. Solenoid 360 is energized by any one of switches 200,actuated by cam dwells 202, 204, 206, 207, 209 or 214. Upon retractingits stem it disengages from behind cam 356 allowing leg 84 to drop.

When the leg drops, abutment 357 on cam 356, actuates switch 359, whichas described hereinafter allows energization of triggering solenoid 190after the foot has fallen, during a predetermined readily adjustabletime interval. See FIGS. 3A and 3B.

ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUITRY OF THE MACHINE The control circuitry of themachine is shown schematically in FIG. 8 and FIG. 1A shows the panel 390of the control console. It will be observed that FIG. 8 shows theazimuth motor, that is, the horizontal deflection motor 330 and themotor 80 for elevation. Also the triggering solenoid 190 is shown aswell as the release solenoid 360 for the signalling leg. The torsionspring 52 is also shown as well as the six switches 200 individuallyidentified at 200a, 200b, 200e, 200d, 200a and 200f, which are actuatedby the cam rises as previously described on the sprocket wheel 114 andshown in FIG. 5. The cam actuation is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8.As may be seen in FIG. 8, the motor is controlled by the reversingswitch 400 which may be seen on the panel 390 of the console in FIG. 1A.The azimuth motor is controlled by a reversing switch 402 which is alsoshown on the panel in console FIG. 1A. The speed of the pitch may alsobe controlled by a group of four manual switches as designated at 406,the switches being individually identified at 4060, 406d. 406e and 406].The purpose of these switches has already been described. Primarily thespeed is controlled by rotary speed switch 407 having contacts 407 a fin series with switches 200 a f.

Numeral 410 designates a contact wiper driven from the shaft of motor 80which cooperates with a series of contacts 412, a, b, c, d, e,f. g, h,i, andj which control circuits through signalling lights as designatedat 414a through 414]. Thus at the control panel of the console 390 theelevation of the machine can be observed from the signal lights.

Numeral 416 designates a similar wiper driven from the shaft of themotor 330 which cooperates with a series of contacts 418a, b, c, d, ande that control circuits through signal lights 420a through 420 e. Theselights are positioned on the control panel 390 across a diagrammaticrepresentation of the home plate as designated at 422 so that theoperator can readily observe the horizontal deflection of the pitch fromthese signal lights. As may be seen in FIG. 8 the power supply fromstandard volt lines comprises line wires 430 and 432. The power to thecircuitry is controlled by manual switches 434 and 436. It will beobserved that motor 80 may be energized from wires 430 and 442 by way ofswitch 400 and wires 444 and 446 back to the line. Motor 330 may beenergized similarly by way of the switch 402. Switch 434 controls allcircuits. Switch 436 controls the pitch speed circuits. Should motor 80open one of its limit switches 401 or 403 it can be manuallyre-energized by manual switch 450 and should motor 330 open one of itslimit switches 333 or 335 it can be re-energized by manual switch 452.Briefly, now referring to the control of the machine from the console,the operator can set the machine for any azimuth, that is, horizontaldeflection, and elevation simply by operating the reversing switches 400and 402 and then observing the signal lights 414 and 420 on the panel ofthe console to note that the machine has responded. The reversingswitches have three positions, including open and closed in eitherdirection of operation.

The operator sets the machine for speed of pitch by setting the speedswitch 407 (and/or) closing one of the manual switches 4060, d, e, or f.Depending upon which of these switches is closed, a circuit can beenergized through one of the switches 20011, b, c, d, e, orfwhen one ofthese switches is closed by a cam dwell on the sprocket wheel 114 asdescribed in connection with FIG. 5. The operator can, of course,observe the speed that is indicated by observing switch 407 (and/or)which of the switches 4060, d, e, orfis closed on the panel 390 of theconsole. As previously described, the closing of one of the switches 406determines which of the trigger release levers 166 will be effective toactuate the trigger to release the spring 52 and permit it to drive thearm 46. It will be observed, of course, that switches 406, 407 and 200control the solenoids 360 and both of which will be energized in thecycle irrespective of which of the other switches 406 is closed, thesecircuits being in between the wires 440 on one side of the figure andwire 444 on the other side.

SUMMARY OF OPERATION From the foregoing description of the machine andits component parts and features, those skilled in the art will fullyunderstand and appreciate its operation, particularly in view of thedescription of the electrical control system FIG. 8. However, theoperation may be briefly summarized as follows. The operator sets aparticular horizontal deflection and elevation setting on the machine byway of the switches 400 and 402. He sets the machine to operate todeliver a particular speed of pitch by operating rotary speed switch 407(and/or) 4066 through f. The switch may then be closed to start themachine in operation and it will perform a cycle as described in theforegoing. That is the shaft 51 will be rotated turning spring 52 untilbar 54 engages the trigger 60. The spring 52 is wound up to the point atwhich trigger 60 is actuated or released to release the bar 54 at whichtime the arm 46 will move through an arc to throw the ball. The triggeris released by a selected one of the trigger release levers 166. Justbefore the pitch is executed as described in the foregoing thesignalling leg 84 will be up again and then dropped down again. Prior tothe execution of the pitch a ball will be loaded into the cradle 45 ofthe arm 46 as previously described and during the cycle, hopper 30 willbe tilted and the balls agitated by the members 36 as described.

The circuitry is such that if desired the machine will continuouslyrepeat its operating cycle without interruption. At any time however,the operator can, from the console, vary the pitch, as to horizontaldeflection, elevation and speed.

It is to be noted that the machine can be stopped if desired at anypoint in a cycle by shutting offthe power. The parts will then move in areverse direction under the influence of spring 52. It will be observedthat all parts are constructed to permit such reverse movement withoutdamage, particularly the triggering levers 166.

If desired the machine may be automatically programmed to deliverparticular sequences of different pitches, that is, pitches varying inspeed, elevation and horizontal position with respect to the plate. Toeffect such programming the reversing switches 400 and 402 are motorizedby reversible motors and a motor driven rotary switch is used to operatethe contacts of switches 407 and/or 4060, d, e andf. These three motorsmay be controlled from a programming device so that at the end of eachcycle the machine is automatically set for a different predeterminedpitch in accordance with a predetermined sequence. The sequence ispre-established on magnetic tape or otherwise in the programmer whichcontrols the aforesaid motors to make the settings between pitches.

ALTERNATIVE MODIFICATIONS FIGS. 10 and 11 show a modified form of theinvention having an additional triggering means which is either manuallyor automatically operable at any position in the wind up cycle, so thatthe variation in pitching speed is infinite if desired. This form of thetriggering means can be incorporated into the same machine having thetriggering means as already described, and then the machine can betriggered either by one system or means, or the other. The alternativetriggering means could, ofcourse, be incorporated in a machine byitself.

Preferably the alternative triggering means may be operated in responseto a time function that is, a timer that energizes the triggeringsolenoid after a predetermined interval so that the amount of wind up ofthe torsion spring is proportional to the time interval and pitch speedvaries accordingly. It will be observed that the solenoid 191 in FIGS.10 and 11 is mounted on the frame member 72. It is connected to a stem500 which in turn is able to actuate a linkage 502 linked to atransverse shaft 504 joumalled in bearings 506 and 508 carried by themember 70. On the end of the shaft 504 is a member 510 positioned to beable to come into engagement with the toe 162 of the trigger 60 totrigger or release the throwing arm. The linkage 502 comprises a link516 pivoted at 518. The link is pivotally connected by link 520 toanother link 522 the end of which is attached to one end of the shaft504 as shown, the link 520 having pivotal connection to the links 516and 522. Thus it may be seen that when the solenoid 191 is energized it.acts through the linkage with sufficient force that member 510 canengage the trigger 60 to release. The linkage can also be manuallyactuated.

The solenoid 191 if desired can be actuated directly by a mechanicaltimer as shown at 530 energized by a battery 532. The time interval canbe manually set on the timer 530 by a knob 531. The timing interval canbe started from any suitable switch on the machine. By way of examplethe timing interval could be started from any one of the 200 series ofswitches as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 shows another type of timing device for obtaining the timedinterval and variation in pitching speed. This timing device might beenergized by one of the cam switches such as 200a, which is held closedfor an interval as long as the maximum setting of switch 407. Numeral550 designates a presettable binary count down counter preferably ofthree bits minimum. The speed switch 407 through its various contacts,when the gate line 554 is open, gates the speed setting lines to set thepresettable counter 550 to a like state. The counter is controlled bygated oscillator 552 having a gate line 554 controlled by switch 200a.When the gate line is closed the cycle is begun, the oscillator 552being capable of adjustment of its cycle from 0.05 to 0.3 second. Theoutput of the gated oscillator causes the counter 550 to count down one,each cycle. When the gate line opens the oscillator stop its cycle.While the counter is counting down it cannot be reset by the speedswitch. The speed setting lines provide a binary indication of thesetting of the rotary speed switch 407. After the predetermined countdown, time switch closure device 560 closes its switch 562 which by wayof example, can energize foot solenoid 360 which brings about closure ofswitch 359 which now energizes the triggering solenoid 191 described inconnection with FIG. 10 and 11.

Having reference to FIG. 1A of the drawings it will be observed that thesignal lights 414 and 420 provide a visual display which is a display ofthe physical orientation of the machine itself, with respect toelevation and azimuth settings. These lights do not provide an actualdisplay of the relative position of the ball as it passes over the platebecause as the speed of pitch changes the position at which the ballpasses over the plate will change at the same physical orientations ofthe machine. It is possible and desirable to provide a display on theconsole of the actual relative position of the ball as it passes overthe plate, this position changing with speed as described. FIG. 12 showsa preferred simplified arrangement for causing the signal lights toindicate the actual position of the ball in passing over the plate.

In FIG. 12 switch blade 407 is on the same shaft as the switch 407previously described that adjusts the pitch speed. It cooperates withcontacts 407a'407f' These contacts control three relays as designated at570, 572 and 574. Relay 570 actuates a group of switch blades 570 a-e.Each of relays 572 and 574 actuate a similar group of switch blades, therelay 574 having five such blades as shown but the number, of course,being similar to the number of signal lights as shown in FIG. 8. Thewiring of FIG. 12 illustrates the manner of wiring in order to achievecalibration of the machine so that the signal lights 414 and 420actually provide a display on the console of the position of the ball inpassing over the plate. FIG. 12 illustrates the circuitry changes (byway of example) that are brought about by setting of the speed switch tocontact 407v. This energizes the relays 570 and 572 thereby moving theirswitch blades downwardly to their lower contacts. Thus, it will be seen,that whereas previously, the slider 410 would energize the light 4140,with relays 570 and 572 energized, at this speed, because of actuationof the relays contact 412a now will bring about energization of signallight 414a instead of 4140. In other words, the change in speed bringsabout a vertical shift in the signal light that is illuminated. Thetechnique thus illustrated in FIG. 12 is employed to bring aboutaccurate calibration of the machine in that for the actual observedposition of the ball in passing over the plate, the correct signal lightis caused to light so that it accurately displays the position.

Alternatively instead of relays 570, 572, and 574 and their contacts,these contacts might be additional circularly arranged contactscooperating with additional wipers on the same shaft as wiper 407'.

The same result is achieved with respect to the horizontal displaylights 420. It will be seen that energization of relay 574 shifts itsswitch contact blades so that there is a shift of one increment withrespect to the signal light that is energized. Thus it may be observedthat in this manner the machine can be com letely and accuratelycalibrated over its complete range of speed so that there is an accuratedisplay on the display panel 390 of the actual position of the ball inpassing over the plate.

FIG. 14 shows a simplified circuit arrangement for providing a displayindication of the position of the ball over the plate. Numeral 580designates an indicating volt meter. Numeral 582 indicates apotentiometer comprising resistor 584 and slide wire resistor 586 withthe wiper 410 as previously described operating as a slider cooperatingwith slide wire resistor 586. Across the volt meter 580 is a Zenerdiode, for example, 592 for purposes of meter protection. Connectedacross the slide wire resistor 586 are resistors 594, 596, 598 and 600.Numeral 407 designates a rotary switch arm on the same shaft as switch407, 407a, 4071;", 407a", etc. Between these terminals and the junctionsbetween the series resistors 594-600 are resistors 606, 608 and 510. Aswill be noted, as the wiper 410 moves, the volt meter will indicate aposition. This reading is varried by changing the position of the rotaryswitch 407 and must be calibrated on each machine to indicate the actualposition of the ball in passing over the plate as it varies dependingupon the speed. The calibration is accomplished by varying theappropriate resistance values of 584, 594 through 602e, aftercalibration the indicator will indicate the true position of the ballover the plate at any speed. Thus a system or arrangement as shown inFIG. 14 can be used to indicate the vertical position of the balls, forexample, and another similar indicator can be used to provide anindication of the horizontal position. By simple adjustments the voltmeters can be made to give an accurate calibrated visual display oftheball position relative to the plate.

From the foregoing those skilled in the art will readily understand thenature and construction of the invention and the manner in which itachieves and realizes all of the objects as set forth in the foregoingas well as the many advantages that are apparent from the detaileddescription.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of the preferred forms of theinvention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than alimiting sense and the invention to be accorded the full scope of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is 1. A projectile throwing machine comprising an armmovable through an arc, means comprising a torsion spring for drivingsaid arm, means comprising a motor for torsioning one end of saidspring, triggering means for releasing said spring to permit movement ofthe said arm, and release means cooperable with the triggering means forreleasing the triggering means at predetermined angular selectedpositions of said one end of said spring.

2. A throwing machine as in claim 1 wherein the triggering means isattached to the other end of said torsion spring and the trigger releasemeans is carried by said one end of the torsion spring.

3. A machine as in claim 2 having additional means comprising timingmechanism for releasing the triggering means at a selected increment oftime after beginning of the torsioning of the torsion spring.

4. A machine as in claim I wherein the triggering means is positioned tohold the end of the arm until the triggering means is released.

5. A machine as in claim 4 wherein the triggering means comprises amember extending along the axial length of the spring.

6. A machine as in claim 4 wherein said trigger release means comprisesan actuating lever rotatably carried at said on end of the spring andengageable with the triggering means. 7. A machine as in claim 6including a movable control member adjacent said on end of said springpositioned with respect to said actuating lever and selectivelypositionable to engage the lever to restrain the lever from release saidtriggering means.

8. A machine as in claim 7 wherein said actuating lever comprises a partmovable to a position to engage a part of said triggering means forreleasing the triggering means, said movable control member beingpositionable to be engaged by said actuating lever upon rotation of saidone end of said spring to a predetermined position to maintain saidactuating lever out of engagement with the triggering means.

9. A machine as in claim 8 wherein said actuating lever is pivotallymounted about an axis normal to the axis of the torsion spring and saidmovable control member has means to engage said actuating lever wherebyto hold the actuating lever in a position to release the triggeringmeans as the actuating lever rotates past the triggering means.

10. A machine as in claim 1 wherein said release means comprises timingmechanism for releasing the triggering means at a predetermined selectedincrement of time after beginning of torsioning of the torsion spring.

11. A machine as in claim 1 including means for releasing the triggeringmeans at any point in the operating cycle.

12. A machine as in claim 1 including visible display indicating meansfor visibly indicating the relative position of a pitched ball withrespect to a plate.

13. A projectile throwing machine comprising an arm for throwing aprojectile, means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm, saidarm being fixedly secured to one end of said torsion spring, means forapplying torsion to said spring and means for releasing the torsion forcausing said arm to throw and said arm and said torsion spring beingrotatably mounted about an axis to allow continuous rotation ofthe armand spring in one direction whereby after executing a throw the arm andspring continue to rotate in the said one direction to a startingposition.

14. A projectile throwing machine comprising an arm movable through anarc, means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm, meanscomprising a motor for torsioning one end of said spring, said arm beingconnected to the other end of said spring, and means responsive topredetermined angular positions of said one end of the spring forreleasing the arm whereby the torsion in the spring drives the arm.

15. A machine as in claim 14 wherein said means responsive to theangular position of said one end of the spring comprises mechanismselectively controllable remotely to predetermine the angular positionat which the releasing means is actuated.

16. A machine as in claim 15 wherein said selectively controllablemechanism comprises a solenoid, switch means for controlling the andbeing solenoid actuatable at a predetermined angular position of thesaid one end of the spring, said solenoid means being positioned toactuate actuation of the releasing means.

17. A projectile throwing machine comprising an arm movable through anarc, means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm, meanscomprising a motor for torsioning one end of said spring, triggeringmeans for releasing said spring to permit movement of the said arm,release means cooperable with the triggering means for predeterminedangular selected positions of said One end of said spring, meanscomprising a simulated foot automatically actuated to simulate theaction of a live pitcher just before a ball is thrown, and mechanismwhereby the release means is responsive to a predetermined movement ofsaid simulated foot.

1. A projectile throwing machine comprising an arm movable through anarc, means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm, meanscomprising a motor for torsioning one end of said spring, triggeringmeans for releasing said spring to permit movement of the said arm, andrelease means cooperable with the triggering means for releasing thetriggering means at predetermined angular selected positions of said oneend of said spring.
 2. A throwing machine as in claim 1 wherein thetriggering means is attached to the other end of said torsion spring andthe trigger release means is carried by said one end of the torsionspring.
 3. A machine as in claim 2 having additional means comprisingtiming mechanism for releasing the triggering means at a selectedincrement of time after beginning of the torsioning of the torsionspring.
 4. A machine as in claim 1 wherein the triggering means ispositioned to hold the end of the arm until the triggering means isreleased.
 5. A machine as in claim 4 wherein the triggering meanscomprises a member extending along the axial length of the spring.
 6. Amachine as in claim 4 wherein said trigger release means comprises anactuating lever rotatably carried at said on end of the spring andengageable with the triggering means.
 7. A machine as in claim 6including a movable control member adjacent said on end of said springpositioned with respect to said actuating lever and selectivelypositionable to engage the lever to restrain the lever from release saidtriggering means.
 8. A machine as in claim 7 wherein said actuatinglever comprises a part movable to a position to engage a part of saidtriggering means for releasing the triggering means, said movablecontrol member being positionable to be engaged by said actuating leverupon rotation of said one end of said spring to a predetermined positionto maintain said actuating lever out of engagement with the triggeringmeans.
 9. A machine as in claim 8 wherein said actuating lever ispivotally mounted about an axis normal to the axis of the torsion springand said movable control member has means to engage said actuating leverwhereby to hold the actuating lever in a position to release thetriggering means as the actuating lever rotates past the triggeringmeans.
 10. A machine as in claim 1 wherein said release means comprisestiming mechanism for releasing the triggering means at a predeterminedselected increment of time after beginning of torsioning of the torsionspring.
 11. A machine as in claim 1 including means for releasing thetriggering means at any point in the operating cycle.
 12. A machine asin claim 1 including visible display indicating means for visiblyindicating the relative position of a pitched ball with respect to aplate.
 13. A projectile throwing machine comprising an arm for throwinga projectile, means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm,said arm being fixedly secured to one end of said torsion spring, meansfor applying torsion to said spring and means for releasing the torsionfor causing said arm to throw and said arm and said torsion spring beingrotatably mounted about an axis to allow continuous rotation of the armand spring in one direction whereby after executing a throw the arm andspring continue to rotate in the said one direction to a startingposition.
 14. A projectile throwing machine comprising an arm movablethrough an arc, means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm,means comprising a motor for torsioning one end of said spring, said armbeing connected to the other end of said spring, and means responsive topredetermined angular positions of said one end of the spring forreleasing the arm whereby the torsion in the spring drives the arm. 15.A machine as in claim 14 wherein said means responsive to the angularposition of said one end of the spring comprises mechanism selectivelycontrollable remotely to predetermine the angular position at which thereleasing means is actuated.
 16. A machine as in claim 15 wherein saidselectively controllable mechanism comprises a solenoid, switch meansfor controlling the and being solenoid actuatable at a predeterminedangular position of the said one end of the spring, said solenoid meansbeing positioned to actuate actuation of the releasing means.
 17. Aprojectile throwing machine comprising an arm movable through an arc,means comprising a torsion spring for driving said arm, means comprisinga motor for torsioning one end of said spring, triggering means forreleasing said spring to permit movement of the said arm, release meanscooperable with the triggering means for predetermined angular selectedpositions of said one end of said spring, means comprising a simulatedfoot automatically actuated to simulate the action of a live pitcherjust before a ball is thrown, and mechanism whereby the release means isresponsive to a predetermined movement of said simulated foot.